Some are asking "What is this '5 Step procedure'?" It is really quite simple - as long as we resist the temptation to slide in legalistic forms! As you walk with us in this study, remember that this procedure is a guide - not a rule.
The steps from Anne Lotz are: 1) Carefully read the selected passage. Do an overview of the passage at the first. Then divide it into sections. Read the selected verses carefully. That really needs no explanation. It just means that we do not try to hurry, skim, or speed read. We move slowly, carefully through selected verses. 2) List the facts. Make a list from the particular verse of the facts that are there. Use phrases from the verse itself. It is the who, what, when - leave the why until later. 3) Find meaning. Look for spiritual lessons in the verse. Are there things to be emulated? Things to be avoided? Warnings? Promises? 4) Listen. Look at the lessons you have just written and rephrase them into questions for yourself. It is good to avoid yes/no questions when possible. It is very easy to answer a yes/no question and move on without much reflection. Use words like "how" and "when" and "why" as you frame these questions. 5) Apply it. What will you do differently because of this lesson? Does anything need to change? What about attitude? Behaviors? As you are walking through these steps, stay in conversation with God about it. If you are not using the Participants Guide, divide the reading into sections and focus on only one section per day - not more than a few verses. Try to see 2 - 4 "lessons" from each section.
If an example is helpful, consider the following:
We are reading 2 Chronicles 34 this week. Consider verse 1: Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years.
2. Facts: Josiah became king at 8 yrs old
3. Lesson: Being young does not mean one cannot be God's instrument.
4. Listen: (If one young in years is doing the study, the listening is obvious!) How am I being an instrument for God's use right now? If I am not, what is keeping me from it?
(For those well past young years) When have I assumed that being young limits service? Whom have I written off spiritually because they are young in years?
What do I use as an excuse for wholeheartedly seeking after God?
5. Apply: This becomes intensely personal. What are you going to do in your own life about this lesson you heard from God?
Our ladies at this church, in our studies together, have a "mantra" ... it does us well to remember. I invite you all to join us is this remembering: Anything I do is better than doing nothing at all! (I first heard that from Kay Arthur and found it very helpful - particularly for any perfectionists among us!)
May you hear from our God as you "listen" ...
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